Tuttle Impresses Coaching Staff, Teammates in Michigan Football Debut

Michigan football lost Saturday night, but it might not be the first thing on their mind heading into next week.

Following the first three drives ending in a punt, with junior quarterback Alex Orji under center, the Wolverines gave the reigns to sixth-year senior Jack Tuttle. 

Tuttle’s first three drives ended in points, and he appeared to give Michigan something it hasn’t had this season: A quarterback with the ability to consistently give his receivers a chance. 

Head coach Sherrone Moore said he liked what he saw from Tuttle. 

“I thought he came out and gave us a spark early,” Moore said. “Obviously, three straight drives we had a touchdown, field goal, touchdown, so the players fed off of that. He practiced well all week and got back healthy — great for us, and we’ll see. But positive, positive. I think he gave us a spark, so we’ll see if he gets to be the starter. It looks like he gives us the best chance. We got to clean up the turnovers at the end, but he definitely had an exciting start to the game.”

Tuttle said he’s aware of where he made his mistakes. 

“Me personally, I gotta be better at protecting the ball,” Tuttle said. “Can’t fumble — can’t do that. That’s completely on me. I can’t put the team, the defense in that situation. And then the end, the last drive, I can’t put the ball in danger, obviously, right? That’s it.”

Tuttle threw a touchdown to tight end Colston Loveland on the opening drive of the second half, and it was Loveland’s first touchdown since week one against Fresno State. Loveland said Tuttle wasn’t shook by the opportunity. 

“Big shout out. Got his name called at the last minute, went out there and executed,” Loveland said. “Obviously got a lot of stuff to clean up between both sides of the ball. But yeah, super proud of what he did. He just didn’t flinch at all, took the challenge and … whatever happened, happened, but just gotta be better.”

Tuttle ➡️ Loveland 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0rZ7oAzKJn

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 6, 2024

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